Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves (right), 4th Infantry Division commanding general, and...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Tony Foster
Division West Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas — First Army Division West, alongside the 4th Infantry Division, held a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at the 4th ID Memorial, here May 20.
The ceremony was not only to honor the Ivy Division’s fallen, but to all those who gave their full measure for the country.
“It’s a great honor to pay tribute to those men and women who willingly gave their dreams to preserve the hope and ideals of not only our nation, but that of their comrades and those they never knew,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, Division West commanding general.
This was the third year for DIVWEST to hold the ceremony, since its transition in 2009 from Fort Carson, Colorado, to take up ownership of the 4th ID’s former headquarters and stand watch over its pivotal memorial site.
“Let this day remind us that there is a terribly exacting price for freedom,” said Colt.
Many of Colt’s sentiments were shared by his counterpart, Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, 4th ID commanding general, and the first 4th ID commanding general to attend the remembrance ceremony since Division West began hosting it.
“Having been a battalion commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom I, a couple of my Soldiers are represented here. It meant a lot to me to come here and pay me respects,” said Gonsalves.
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th ID senior enlisted leader, said, “Ceremonies like these do two things. It reminds us of those that sacrificed and paid the ultimate price for this country.
Also, we bring in the Gold Star families to establish those relationships with them and we remember your loved one provided the ultimate sacrifice.”
As taps played, Colt and Gonsalves, along with Sgt. Nicholas Sencey, with DIVWEST’s honor sergeant, placed a wreath at the base of the memorial statue – a Soldier kneeling in front of a rifle, boots and a helmet (the Battlefield Cross), with a young girl standing near, consoling him.
“I always look forward to honoring my late-husband for his selfless sacrifice,” said Carolyn Bright, widow and Gold Star spouse of 3rd Armored Cavalry Staff Sgt. Scottie Bright. “I really love that man. We must always recognize our fallen Soldiers.”
After the wreath-laying, participants rendered a salute to the fallen 4th ID and U.S. Army heroes.
“During this Memorial Day weekend, I hope every takes the time to remember those that sacrificed their lives,” said Gonsalves.
| Date Taken: | 05.26.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.26.2015 17:45 |
| Story ID: | 164577 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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